Staff

Leadership

Staff

Stephen Budde, PhD, LCSW

Executive Vice President

Stephen Budde, PhD, LCSW, is the Executive Vice President of the Juvenile Protective Association (JPA), and a Visiting Scholar at the University of North Carolina School of Social Work. Dr. Budde has over 35 years of experience in child welfare and mental health as a researcher, teacher, administrator, trainer, consultant, and therapist. He has led or participated in numerous publicly and privately funded implementation and outcomes evaluations and studies at JPA and previously as Senior Researcher and Assistant Professor at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Dr. Budde taught clinical research and decision making at the University of Chicago for over 15 years. Among other current projects, he is a Principal Investigator for evaluations of three therapeutic parenting programs for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Family First Prevention Services initiative; and Principal Investigator of the implementation evaluation for the Early Childhood Court Team project in which DCFS partners with the juvenile court to improve permanency outcomes for young children in foster care. Dr. Budde has provided consultation or conducted evaluations, studies, or continuous quality improvement projects for the Illinois Children’s Justice Task Force (a Citizen Review Panel), the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois and other child welfare organizations, mental health providers, and philanthropic foundations. Dr. Budde has served on multiple advisory committees for DCFS as well as the Scholarly Oversight Committee for a Fellow in Child Abuse Pediatrics at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He was recently appointed to the Evaluation Subcommittee for the statewide Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force (HCITF) as outlined in Senate Bill 646, now Public Act 103-0545. The HCITF is run by the office of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton.

Sally Herschman, LCSW

Director, New Light

Sally joined JPA in August 2023. Sally graduated from Loyola University of Chicago and is a licensed clinical social worker and an adjunct professor at the Erikson Institute.

Sally has extensive experience treating infants, children, adolescents, and families, as well as providing clinical consultation, training, and supervision. Sally had the privilege of learning Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) from one of the model creators, Patricia Van Horn, and is a rostered CPP clinician and supervisor.

Before joining JPA, Sally spent almost 20 years with JCFS Chicago where she learned about the power every person has within themselves and how a therapist can help that power become known and rise to the surface to be a source of energy for the changes we each long for.

In her free time, Sally enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with her animals.

Susannah Levine

Senior Director of Policy & Community Impact

Susannah joined JPA in 2022. Susannah earned her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and her master’s degree in public policy from The University of Chicago. Prior to joining JPA, Susannah spent almost 20 with BPI, a public interest law and policy center in Chicago working to combat systemic barriers to equity and fighting for racial, economic, and social justice. At BPI, Susannah served as the Director of Education and Early Learning and led the Altgeld Riverdale Early Learning Initiative, a community-driven effort to develop a comprehensive system of support for children and their families in this far southeast side community.
At JPA, Susannah is responsible for managing clinical operations and building & maintaining our school and community partnerships. In her free time, Susannah enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling.
Susannah is “All in for Kids” because: “I have spent my career working to eliminate systemic barriers to equity and promoting racial, economic, and social justice. Access to high-quality mental health services for children in under-served communities, particularly as we move out of the pandemic, is critical to closing the opportunity gap. Kids need this support more than ever.”

Erinn Boone, LCPC

Grandparents Circle Program Coordinator

 

Erinn joined JPA in January 2024. She earned her Master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Governors State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC) and trained Conflict Resolution Mediator through Northwestern University SPS. Prior to joining JPA, Erinn worked for 15 years as an educational leader proudly serving and supporting the students and families of Chicago Public Schools. With a foundation in clinical mental health, Erinn brings a client-centered, strengths-based, culturally sensitive approach intertwined with her extensive skills in mediation and relationship building. At JPA, Erinn has the pleasure of overseeing the Grandparents Program. She is passionate about fostering intergenerational connection and youth empowerment, through utilizing her expansive history in education, program leadership, and community engagement. Her primary work with The Grandmother Circle Program is based in building strong school partnerships, recruiting and supporting volunteers, uplifting student participants, and thoughtfully contributing to curriculum development.
In her free time, Erinn enjoys spending quality time with her daughter whether its sharing her love for creativity and the arts, reading and cooking together, or photographing the beautiful sights on their nature walks. One of her favorite pastimes is self-care, because she fully believes “self-care is not selfish, its necessary!”.
 
Erinn is “All In for Kids” because: I fully believe every child’s voice matters, and they deserved to be heard. I am a champion for the voiceless and am committed to nurturing spaces and creating meaningful experiences where our youth feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

Terri Burke

Business Operations Manager

Terri joined JPA in May 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Winona State University (2008). Prior to joining JPA, she was the Director of Operations at Teach for America.

At JPA, Terri manages Medicaid billing and compliance, vendor relationships, and the compliance of data submission. Terri has a Bernadoodle puppy named Rocky, and in her free time she enjoys reading, watching new television shows, and spending time at the beach.
Terri is “All in for Kids” because: “I’ve spent my entire professional career at non-profits that are dedicated to serving students in under-resourced communities. I’m driven by service to others, with a passion for increasing access to vital mental health services.”

Christy Cashman, MS, LSW

Data Analyst and Quality Improvement Specialist

Christy joined the JPA team in December 2022. Christy holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Development and Education from the University of Central Florida (2013), a Master of Human and Community Development from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2016) and a Master of Social Work from the Erikson Institute (2019). Prior to joining JPA, Christy worked at the Erikson Institute as a Research Associate on several projects, one of which was a project that evaluated the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) Early Childhood Project, a collaboration with IDCFS that offers support to child welfare professionals and links families and children to needed services. Christy also worked at Erikson as an Academic Tutor for Social Work students, and Facilitator for the Calm Classroom Project, a mindfulness based social and emotional learning program for kindergarten-2nd grade. At JPA, Christy is part of the Child Welfare consulting team. She provides evaluation, project management, and quality improvement support to various teams within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) and to the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. In her free time, Christy enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, attending concerts, and visiting friends and family. 

 

Christy is “All in for Kids” because: “I recognized early on in my experience working with children that the presence of an empathic, caring, and attuned adult can make a significant impact on the well-being and trajectory of children and families. Every child and family should have access to the resources and individuals necessary to support their holistic well-being and ability to thrive. I will never forget the adults in my life who offered support and helped me feel seen, heard, and valued. I feel honored and grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had in my career to be that person for children and the adults who surround them.”

Paris Freeman, LCSW

School Based Therapist

Paris joined JPA in September 2023. Paris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2005 and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in 2022. Prior to joining JPA, Paris worked in child welfare for 5 years and in healthcare as an Emergency Medical Technician in a behavioral health facility that provided non-medical detox services to individual seeking detoxification from drugs and/or alcohol.

At JPA, Paris provides individual and group therapy services to elementary school students utilizing a combination of play and/or talk therapy, to help them process their experiences, thoughts and feelings regarding trauma. In her free time, Paris enjoys traveling and crafting.

Paris is “All in for Kids” because: “I strongly believe kids need a strong support system and that system is not exclusive to their home environment. I also believe that trauma does not have to define you and that by providing a safe space for kids to share their experiences and feelings, they can begin to heal. It is my goal to help individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences find their balance, because healing isn’t linear.”

Kimberly Garner, LCSW

Program Manager, C2K

Kim joined JPA in January 2022. She graduated from Erikson Institute with a master’s degree in child development in 2015 and a Master of Social Work in 2018. Prior to joining JPA, Kim was an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant in South Suburban Cook County, and an early interventionalist with Illinois’ Early Intervention Program. Additionally, Kim was a school-based therapy intern at JPA in 2017 while in graduate school.
At JPA, Kim is responsible for providing school-based mental health consultations. In her free time, Kim enjoys arts and crafts, interior design, and shopping.
Kim is “All in for Kids” because: “Supporting children, their families and school staff using a comprehensive developmental, diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma-informed lens is an asset that will remain evident in my professional practices; as they have for my many years of dedicated work in teaching, providing therapeutic services and mental health consultation to improve developmental outcomes in young children, empower families and support educators to bolster their child’s or student’s progress.”

Yvonne Gutierrez-Villafuerte

Mental Health Consultant

Yvonne Gutierrez-Villafuerte, Mental Health Consultant, joined JPA in August 2024. Yvonne holds a Master’s Degree in Child Development & a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). Prior to joining JPA, Yvonne worked as a Developmental Therapist through Early Intervention and a school counselor. Earlier in her career, Yvonne supervised a teen parent program, helping participants earn their high school diplomas while supporting them as parents. At JPA, Yvonne provides mental health support to teachers and students through the C2K Program.

Yvonne is “All in for Kids” because “we can create the conditions that promote health and well-being and positively impact the trajectory of their lives.”

Abby Hayden

School Based Therapist 

Abby Hayden, School-Based Therapist, joined JPA in January 2026. She holds a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago (2025). Prior to joining JPA, Abby worked as a Child Advocate at a domestic violence shelter, provided case management at a Transitional Living Program for unhoused young adults, and delivered outpatient therapy for individuals of all ages within the community mental health setting.

At JPA, Abby provides therapy services to students in the school setting, while also partnering with teachers and parents to support each child’s overall well-being. Her work includes conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and fostering collaborative relationships that help students succeed both emotionally and academically.

Abby is “All In for Kids” because:
“With a long history of working with kids and seeing firsthand the impact that support — or lack of support — can have, I believe it is essential to provide children with as much support as possible. Having access to support in a school setting, where kids spend the majority of their time, can be incredibly impactful. Every child deserves support from caring adults.”

Elyse Hill

School Based Therapist 

Elyse Hill, School-Based Therapist, joined JPA in January 2026. Elyse holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Calvin University (2019) and a Master’s degree in Counseling from DePaul University (2025). Prior to joining JPA, Elyse worked as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools.

At JPA, Elyse provides therapy services to students within one of JPA’s partner schools and collaborates with teachers and parents to support each child’s overall well-being.

Elyse is “All in for Kids” because:
“Childhood experiences are the foundation for all things in life. When children have their needs met and receive the support they deserve, the world becomes a better place.”

Julia Hirschfield

School Based Therapist

 

Julia joined JPA in July of 2026 after graduating from the University of Chicago with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration. Prior to joining JPA, Julia has worked with refugees and asylum-seekers living in North Carolina, survivors of interpersonal and sexual violence, and children with disabilities. She also holds her Professional Educator’s License in school social work and is a Certified Sexual Wellness Counselor and HIV Screener. At JPA, Julia utilizes neurobiologically-informed and child-centered play approaches to provide individual and group therapy to students. She also collaborates with caregivers and teachers to bolster knowledgeable, insightful student support teams. In her free time, Julia loves creating stained glass pieces, swimming in the lake, reading rom-coms, and walking her cat, Socket.


Julia is “All In for Kids” because: “When children are in safe, trusting therapeutic relationships with adults who hold unconditional positive regard for them, they can process and heal from trauma, explore their identities, grow confidence in themselves, and become who they want and need to be. At the same time, children teach me every day about the joy, wonder, and uniqueness of being human and growing.”

Jillian Howard, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Jillian Howard, Clinical Supervisor joined JPA in 2022. Jillian is a licensed social worker and earned her master’s degree from Loyola University. Jillian brings with her over a decade of experience working in the Chicago Public School system. With a passion for improving mental health services, she is dedicated to contributing to the growth and development of mental health support in black and brown communities in Chicago.

Allison Jones

Grants Manager

Allison joined JPA in July 2023. Allison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and public administration from Roosevelt University in 2005. Her duties at JPA include grant writing and management of our donor database. Allison has over 20 years of non-profit experience working with marginalized populations, helping to strengthen families, and enabling children to access high-quality early childhood education and afterschool programs. She has worked directly with children and families as a teacher, and as a development professional raising the funds necessary for organizations to carry out their missions.
At JPA, Allison oversees grant writing and reporting, and manages our donor database. In her free time, Allison enjoys playing yard and board games, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Allison is “All in for Kids” because: “It has always been important to me to align my career with organizations that are making a positive impact for children and families. When I learned of JPA’s history and programs, I was inspired to see how I can be a part of this work. I am thrilled to have joined the Development team to help JPA continue its impact.”

Jacob Jones

Grant Writer

Jacob joined JPA in June 2025. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from DePaul University in 2021. Prior to joining JPA, Jacob led development initiatives in community mental health in Chicago.

His duties at JPA include offering critical support to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization through grant writing, donor stewardship, research, and acknowledging contributions.

Jacob is “All In for Kids” because: “I was born and raised in Chicago to parents with deep roots here. Having gone through the Chicago Public School system myself, I am inspired to dedicate my life to advocating for the support of Children across Chicago.”

Shenicka Jones, MSW

Clinical Supervisor

 

Shenicka is a social work professional and emerging leader with a diverse background in child and family services, mental health, education, and nonprofit organizations. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, holds a Mental Health Consultant credential and a certification in Life Coaching and Mentoring, and is a licensed social worker in the state of Illinois.

 

Throughout her career, Shenicka has demonstrated leadership through program management, case management, consultation, education, and family support. Her experience includes managing an afterschool program with a social emotional focus, providing school-based case management, supporting Youth in Care as they transitioned to adulthood, teaching preschool through Head Start, and providing Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation to administrators, educators, and families using the Georgetown Model of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation. She has also served as a Parenting Coach trained in the Nurturing Parenting Model.

 

Shenicka brings strong competencies in relationship building, interdisciplinary collaboration, program coordination, communication, advocacy, and social emotional development. Her work reflects a capacity to assess complex needs, build meaningful partnerships, identify practical solutions, and support individuals and systems in creating sustainable change. She approaches leadership with a commitment to equity, accountability, professional growth, and the wellbeing of children, youth, and families.

Nicole Levonyak, LCSW

School Based Therapist

Nicole joined JPA as an intern in August 2022, and took her current role in June 2023. Nicole graduated with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago in 2023.

At JPA, Nicole provides individual and group therapy to students and caregiver consultation to inform therapeutic work and influence care outside of the therapy room. In her free time, Nicole enjoys salsa dancing, hot yoga, biking on the lakefront path, reading fiction, journaling, and going to the beach.

Nicole is “All in for Kids” because: “We hold incredibly powerful narratives within us to understand ourselves and make sense of the world. I feel immense gratitude to be a part of a young person’s meaning-making process as they work with different storylines to construct a clearer picture of themselves. My hope is for young people and the people around them to see themselves for who they truly are at their highest self.”

Catherine Lewis

New Light Intake Coordinator

Catherine joined JPA in 2024. She believes that as creatures of habit, people sometimes find it challenging to access the space and resources they need in order to affect change. Catherine is passionate about working with adults and adolescents to support them in achieving increased balance and happiness within the orbits of life: work, romance, joy, and family.
Catherine is experienced in working with adolescents and adults impacted by substance abuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety. She is certified in EMDR and has experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Catherine believes that the work done in therapy can reconnect individuals with their true selves, their goals, and with a renewed excitement for the future.

Patrice Matthews

Mental Health Consultant, C2K School Culture & Systems Specialist

 

Patrice Matthews joined JPA in November 2023. She holds a master’s degree in Community and School Counseling and brings extensive experience supporting schools in strengthening social-emotional learning, behavior management, behavioral health, and schoolwide systems.


Prior to joining JPA, Patrice served as a Director of Social-Emotional Learning, where she developed and led schoolwide SEL programming, strengthened behavior management systems, facilitated Behavioral Health Teams, and designed comprehensive counseling supports to address the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of students, staff, and families.


At JPA, Patrice provides school culture and systems support to schools participating in the Connect 2 Kids (C2K) program. Her work focuses on partnering with school leaders to strengthen schoolwide systems, build staff capacity, and create supportive, relationship-centered environments where both students and adults can thrive.


Patrice is “All In for Kids” because she believes strong school communities are built through intentional relationships, skill-building, and sustainable systems. She is committed to helping schools develop the structures, capacity, and practices needed to foster positive school cultures and create lasting outcomes for students and staff.

Mila Rao

School-Based Therapist

Mila joined JPA as a School-Based Therapist in October 2024 after graduating with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago. Prior to becoming a social worker, Mila served as an elementary school teacher, non-profit case manager, and executive assistant. At JPA, Mila provides individual and group therapy to children focused on child-centered play and exploration. She also consults with caregivers, teachers, and other related service providers to support clients in and out of the school building. In her free time, Mila enjoys caring for her houseplants, teaching improv comedy, and playing boardgames. Mila is “All in for Kids” because she believes when kids are given a supportive space to share and play, they have the power to guide their own healing.

Shane Rosalez

Accounting Specialist

Shane joined JPA in October of 2023. Shane graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Indianapolis in 2009. Prior to joining JPA, Shane worked in accounting for various industries automotive, nursing homes, and rolling shutters for 10 years. At JPA, Shane is responsible for all accounts payable and Medicaid billing.
Shane is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe in helping kids grow up with a well-rounded scope. The services JPA offers allow kids to open their emotional side through therapy. It will help them to better cope with life as they grow up to be adults.”

Maggie Sandvig, LCSW

School-Based Therapist

 

Maggie joined JPA in October of 2025. Maggie earned her bachelor’s degree in communications studies from the University of Minnesota and later her master’s in social work from Augsburg University. Prior to joining JPA, Maggie worked as a school social worker advocating for students, families, and addressing systemic barriers and racial inequities.

At JPA, Maggie provides therapy services to clients in the school setting where she can support each client in understanding themselves, navigating challenges, building skills, and overall feeling more supported in their school, home and community environments. Utilizing a strengths-based and client-centered approach, Maggie’s role is never to “fix” a child, but rather provide a space where they can better understand themselves and utilize the tools and support they need to thrive. In her free time, Maggie enjoys participating in any competitive sport, enjoying the sun, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Maggie is “All In for Kids” because: “I believe mental health is a tool for both healing and empowerment. When children feel seen, understand their experiences, and find their voice, they are better equipped not only to navigate barriers, but to challenge the ones that were never theirs to carry.”

Amy Smith, MSW

Permanency Planning Evaluation Coordinator

Amy joined JPA in January 2020. She holds a master’s in social work from Rutgers University and completed a fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center. Prior to joining JPA, Amy worked in child welfare settings, where she completed clinical assessments of children and families who were involved with DCFS due to abuse or neglect, as well as in clinical settings, where she provided individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. At JPA, Amy is part of the Child Welfare team, where she serves as the Permanency Planning Evaluation Coordinator. In this role, she and the other members of the Permanency Planning Evaluation team conduct detailed assessments of families involved with DCFS when there is conflict or disagreement about the child’s permanency goal.

Amy is “All In for Kids” because: “To quote Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” I believe that we live in a complex world that places multiple demands on children and families, and it is critical that they be provided with resources to allow them to thrive.”

Charlotte Smith

Development Coordinator

Charlotte joined JPA in August 2026. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Memphis. Prior to joining JPA, Charlotte built a career in global sales, business development, and strategic account management, developing expertise in relationship building, strategic partnerships, and client engagement. Charlotte’s commitment to service extends into her community where she serves as a Community Relations Commissioner for the Village of Flossmoor and as President of the Monarch Cities Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Through her volunteer leadership, she has supported initiatives focused on children and families, community engagement, philanthropy, and service. At JPA, Charlotte serves as Development Coordinator, supporting fundraising and development efforts, donor engagement, events, and initiatives that help advance JPA’s mission and expand it’s impact. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and two children, exploring Chicago, and serving in her community.

Charlotte is “All In for Kids” because: “I believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and surrounded by people who believe in their potential. I’m proud to use my skills and experience to help build the relationships and resources that make that possible.”

Stephanie Staszak

Clinical Supervisor

Stephanie joined JPA in November 2023. Steph is originally from Mexico City where she earned her Bachelor’s in psychology. She moved to Chicago to complete her MSW from Erikson Institute with a focus on infant and early childhood development.

Stephanie has extensive experience working with toddlers and preschool children in a clinical and school setting. She also works at JCFS Chicago as a clinician with children and families involved in the child welfare system. Stephanie is passionate about working with children and their families, helping them reach their full potential in all spheres of their lives.

During her free time, Stephanie enjoys cooking, reading, visiting museums, exploring restaurants, and spending time with her friends and family.

Nicole Sugar

School Based Therapist 

Nicole Sugar, School-Based Therapist, joined JPA in May 2024. Nicole holds several degrees, including a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago (2024); a Professional Diploma in Culinary Entrepreneurship from École Ducasse (2019); a Master’s in Foreign Language Teaching from New York University (2010); and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and French from Washington University (2007). Prior to joining JPA, Nicole held a variety of educational, administrative, and health-supporting roles. At JPA, she engages in play therapy with young people while collaborating with their caregivers and educators to support them beyond the therapy room.

 

Nicole is “All in for Kids” because “every child deserves safe, supportive spaces and relationships that encourage them to explore, share, and create their own stories, experiences, and identities.”

Jori Swartz, LCSW

Mental Health Consultant

Jori joined JPA in August 2022. Jori graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1996 and a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University in 2000. Prior to joining JPA, Jori was a School Social Worker for 23 years in urban and suburban schools working with grades K-12 in general education, special education services, and students in self-contained programs.
In Jori’s role at JPA, she collaborates with teachers on responsive relational strategies for their students and maintains a space to process the teacher’s experiences through consultation, observation, and facilitation of SEL and psychoeducational classroom groups. In her free time, Jori enjoys playing tennis, reading, and word puzzles.
Jori is “All In for Kids” because: “I believe in JPA’s mission to improve the social and emotional well-being and functioning of vulnerable children so they can reach their fullest potential at home, in school, and in our communities because all children need adults to support them in their development and learning experiences.”

Rene Taylor

Mental Health Consultant

 

Rene Taylor joined JPA in September of 2021 as an intern in the school-based therapy program. She later joined the organization as an employee in the summer of 2022. Recently Rene began working with the team of mental health consultants in early 2026. Rene earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas and her master’s in psychodynamic counseling from the Institute for Clinical Social Work in 2022. Prior to joining JPA, Rene had over 15 years of experience in social work, working with kids, teens, and adults.


At JPA, Rene works to support the adults in the school in understanding and responding to the needs of the students in an effort to foster a healthy environment in which the students can learn and grow.

 

Rene is “All In for Kids” because: I believe any child and their family can be helped and can grow into their greatness.”

Alejandra Tena, LSW

School-Based Therapist

Alejandra Tena, MSW, LSW, joined JPA in 2025 as a School-Based therapist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Northern Illinois University in 2016 and her Master of Social Work from Erikson Institute. Prior to JPA, Alejandra worked as a Montessori teacher, supporting children from infancy through kindergarten. In her current role, she provides individual therapy to elementary school students, integrating her background in early childhood education with clinical social work practice to foster social and emotional development. Outside of work, Alejandra enjoys staying active, spending time with her dogs, and traveling.

Amanda Turley, LCSW

Mental Health Consultant & New Light Therapist

 

Mental Health Consultant & New Light Therapist
Amanda joined JPA in May 2022 as an intern and took her current position in January 2023. Amanda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University in 2006; a master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from City College of New York CUNY, in 2009 and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2022. Prior to joining JPA, Amanda was a High School Mathematics teacher for 15 years.


At JPA, Amanda provides mental health consultation to educators and classrooms at JPA partner schools and provides therapy sessions through JPA’s New Light clinic. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, traveling, and going to restaurants, museums, and concerts.


Amanda is “All In for Kids” because: “I believe that all children deserve access to opportunities to learn, grow and develop their dreams. As a former teacher, I have witnessed so many barriers to children’s learning. It is so important for students to feel safe and have their social emotional needs met before they can move on to learning academic content. Addressing the harm of poverty, violence, and racism is crucial to make an impact for all children to create and achieve their goals and dreams.”

Margo Vesely

Executive Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator

Margo Vesely, Executive Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator joined JPA in October 2024. Margo holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Illinois Chicago (2016). Prior to JPA, Margo worked as a campaign manager for statewide campaigns, as well as various roles in sales and marketing. At JPA, she supports Senior Administration with a mix of administrative, outreach, and creative tasks—helping connect teams, spark new ideas, and bring JPA’s work to life behind the scenes.

Margo is “All In for Kids” because: “I relate deeply to the children JPA serves and understand the power of resilience and community. I want every child to know they are seen, supported, and capable of creating their own unique success, regardless of their background.”

Nicole Warren

Development Manager

Nicole joined JPA in January 2024. Nicole graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education from Northern Illinois University and an English as a Second Language Endorsement from National Louis University. Prior to joining JPA, Nicole worked as a special education teacher, supporting students with diverse learning needs and collaborating closely with families, educators, and school communities to help students succeed. 
At JPA, Nicole supports the organization’s fundraising and engagement efforts through corporate partnerships, donor cultivation and stewardship, volunteer engagement, and special events. She also leads JPA’s WeROCK (We Reach Out to Chicago’s Kids) program, creating opportunities for corporate and community partners to engage with and support JPA’s mission.
Nicole is “All In for Kids” because: “My background in education showed me firsthand how important it is for children to have access to the right support and resources. I believe deeply in JPA’s mission and am proud to help build relationships that strengthen our work and expand our impact for children and families across Chicago.”